Two More Arrests In Newark Shootings

Two more suspects were arrested in the execution-style shootings of three college students in a schoolyard, marking five arrests in a case that has stunned a city where gun violence is common.

The two suspects were found in suburban Washington and are awaiting extradition to New Jersey, authorities said Saturday.

Rodolfo Godinez, a 24-year-old Nicaraguan immigrant, was arrested in a rooming house in Maryland, said John Cuff, an investigator with the U.S. Marshals Service.

He was being held on $1 million bail and charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and other charges, said Carolyn Murray, first assistant prosecutor for Essex County.

Alexander Alfaro, 16, believed to be Godinez's half brother, was later arrested in Virginia, said Robert Fernandez, commander of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service. Alfaro will face similar charges as Godinez, Murray said.

It could take weeks for the pair to return to New Jersey if they fight extradition, Murray said. The 16-year-old is expected to appear for an extradition hearing in juvenile court in Virginia on Monday, she said. Neither had lawyers as of Saturday night, she said.

Authorities were still searching for an additional suspect.

They were wanted in connection with the Aug. 4 slayings in which the victims were forced to kneel in front of a wall behind an elementary school and shot in the back of the head.

Authorities have said robbery appeared to be the motive.

Killed in the attack were Terrance Aeriel, 18; Dashon Harvey, 20, and Iofemi Hightower, 20. Aeriel's sister, Natasha, was shot in the head but survived and has helped police in the investigation.

Hightower's mother, Shalga Hightower, said Saturday's arrests gave her peace. "My child can rest now," she said.

Authorities had received a tip that Godinez was planning to flee to Texas and then to Mexico, according to James Plousis, a U.S. marshal who is responsible for New Jersey.